After about 2 weeks of radiation treatment I was scheduled to meet with the medical oncologist. Before having cancer I didn’t know there were different kinds of oncologists. A radiation oncologist deals with radiation treatment and a medical oncologist deals with medical treatment which includes chemotherapy and medication. We talked for a few minutes when we met and due to my situation I had a choice about whether or not I took medication for hormone control after my radiation treatment was complete. The choice he gave me was based on my fear. The doctor asked me what I was more anxious about, side effects of medication or the return of cancer.
This may have been the first time I really had a choice about my treatment. I told him that the side effects of the medication concerned me more than trying to do one more thing to keep the cancer from returning. This medication wouldn’t help it go away. It would possibly keep it from returning. I don’t take medication unless I am really ill so the side effects come after me a bit more aggressively because my body is not used to it.
Once I shared my answer with him, he encouraged me to continue to live healthy and don’t go nuts trying to over do it.
It has taken me a few years to learn what this advice looks like for me. It looks different for everyone. I had to find the things in my life that make me healthy, not the things that make others healthy. I had to find a way to keep my mind clear and focused on what would benefit me. I had to find a way to eat that made me feel well. I had to find exercises that would give my body energy and I had to find fun activities that would bring me joy and peace.
As you journey through your life, make choices that make you whole and happy and productive. Make choices that fit who you are and what will make you the best version of yourself.
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